The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments

by Hadley Vlahos R.N.

The Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments. Professionally spiraled and resold by a third party. This spiraled book is not necessarily affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorized by the publisher, distributor, or author.

Genres: Nonfiction

288 pages, Spiral-bound

Published June 13, 2023

Reviews

[Kiley Wojnowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is undoubtedly one of the best books I have ever read. Reading about Hadley’s experiences has reinforced my decision to enter the nursing field, and I hope one day to have just a fraction of the compassion and knowledge that she has.

[Kirstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens after we die? That’s a question we’ve all pondered at least once or twice, if not more. What happens right before we die? Now that’s a question I hadn’t thought of before, but I am now. Author Hadley Vlahos, RN weaves a narrative of death, life, and the in-between in this gut-wrenching, but beautifully crafted book. While discussing her own journey as a hospice nurse and young mother, Hadley brings us alongside her as she recalls the stories of twelve people who in the final days of their lives shined some sort of light on what happens before, during and after we die.

I highly recommend it, but please have tissues nearby.

[Lauren Soeka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lost my father earlier this year and after watching him pass, I struggled with immense unknown how he was feeling upon passing and guilt that I couldn’t do more. Hadleys insight and experience makes me feel so much more comfort and relief that my dad was at peace when he passed. It was a type of closure I’ve been searching for and I’m glad I found this book.

[Juan Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

They say you meet your partner in divorce, your siblings in inheritance, and your children in old age. But when do you know yourself?

I think in death. How do you die? Regretful, angry, hating, loving, at peace. That makes a big difference and often defines who you are.

Reflections that this book inspired in me about a nurse who takes care of people before they die, I don't think there is a more difficult job, because she knows that all of her patients will end up dying.

This book tells the story of twelve of her patients, from all of whom she learned something to be a better caregiver, nurse, and person.

A regular book but it makes you think.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a phenomenal book! Not only does the author write about her experiences, she also talks about her own thoughts, feelings and her life while taking care of her patients which includes the illness of someone close to her and having to learn to be on the other side of the situation that she helps families through on a daily basis. The wide array of hospice situations the author is out into and how she handles him so well with grace and poise to me is mind blowing. It’s a very well written but that I found to be inspiring as well as a page turner that I didn’t want to put down.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite quotes:
"I always thought I would have more time. I wish I would have spent more time with my loved ones. I wish I’d just eaten the damn cake.”
“I reminded myself to live for today, not the fears of tomorrow”
“While I still don't have all the answers, the one thing I can tell you for certain is that there are things that defy medical explanation, and that in between here and whatever comes next, there is something powerful and peaceful.”
"…no matter what anyone believes, the happiest people are the ones at peace with their own beliefs."

[Chiara Figari · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick insightful first person narrative a la Tuesdays with Morrie. Filled with insightful nuggets “eat the cake” and takeaways that are as unique as the stories told. This is an ultimate read on the uniqueness and universality of the human experience - though we all may believe differently the shared experience of life between is one we will all face. Read this book, whether you think death is foreign or unsightly or something done in the darkness and bring light to even tough reality.

[Bri Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I needed this book. I’m not a nurse, but it makes me feel seen to see that someone else has had similar experiences with those around them and that it is okay not to be 100% sure what your beliefs are.

[Katie Mayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. I recently lost my grandmother to dementia. I helped take care of her for over 2 years before she had to go into a nursing home. I wish this book was around when I was caring for her. It has really opened my eyes.

[KGrud · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was a slow start for me because of the nature of the book, but it got better with every chapter. So glad she wrote her stories down. This is a beautiful depiction on how patients can affect the nurse, and vice versa.

[Lizzie Banks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how Hadley connected her own life and lessons to the different stories. It was eerie and cool in the ways that they connected sometimes. I only wish to have heard more weird/unbelievable stories than we did. Would definitely recommend.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through this book, I just couldn't put it down. Wonderful stories, well told. Such touching tales. I'm grateful to Hadley for sharing her story.

[Annie Pruden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loves this book. Loved all the stories. Truly incredible and sad but glad Hadley shared some insights with us.

[Corina Chang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I needed.

[✰ Candace ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Working in geriatric healthcare I have seen people close to if not actively dying. Hospice is so important and I could not do my job with out them.

In my experience I had my own Carl… he always called me his adopted granddaughter and I love him and miss him greatly. He told me so many stories and didn’t like a lot of people.

When Hadley talked about the seeing passed on family members I remember what it was like when I was first told about it as a baby CNA and finding it weird in a way that they saw dead relatives.

Chills took over my body at the coincidences she shared and experienced while in her two years of work. It was crazy to me to hear about.

This book has completely changed my look on life and on death… plus everything in-between.